Facebook Releases Group Video Call Feature On Messenger

Up to six people can video call at the same time, but Facebook doesn’t want to force everyone in a group to participate. As Product Manager Andrew Song told Digital Trends, not everyone is always “video-call ready.”

“We designed this experience with mobile phones in mind,” Song said. “And we were trying to figure out how we can create this party or fun atmosphere with a set of people. Being able to get in the same space and have that energy that you would if you were in the same physical space is what this is really for.”

If the video call limit has filled up or if you’re at work and can’t join in, you can still see what’s going on and respond with messages or your voice. The company says up to 50 people can listen in a group call and “chime in via voice” or continue to send messages as well.

You’ll have to create a group or be in an existing one to be able to tap on the group video call icon — each person can join in when they’re ready with a tap, and you can ring certain people or the whole group.